Ask Dr. Stork: Why Do I Bruise So Easily?

A: This very common complaint has several explanations, but first you need to understand what causes bruising. Bruises are the result of any trauma that damages the network of very tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, just below the surface of your skin. When these capillaries break, blood leaks into the soft tissues under your skin, creating dark purplish marks.

As we age, we bruise more easily because our capillaries become more fragile and our skin and underlying connective tissue get thinner and provide less protection. Women bruise more easily than men, often because they have thinner skin with less protective collagen. Aspirin and other blood-thinning medications can increase your risk of bruising, because they reduce the blood's ability to clot. Meanwhile, steroid medications, which can exacerbate thinning of the skin, may boost your bruise count.

You may also bruise more if you're protein or iron deficient or have sun-damaged skin, so consider this a reminder to eat a balanced diet and use your sunscreen.

If you have always bruised easily, it's probably just your body's natural tendency. But if this is a new trend, and you also feel generally unwell or have concerns, see your doctor to rule out a more serious problem.

If you want to speed healing time, elevate the bruised area and apply cold compresses during the first 48 to 72 hours. After that, warm compresses can increase blood flow and help the bruise get reabsorbed more quickly.

TRAVIS STORK, MD, is an ER physician, cohost of TV's The Doctors, and the author of The Lean Belly Prescription.

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